Travel Workouts Week 15- TRX and Kettlebells in Nosara

Ever since the Around the World Running Blog Relay began, I have been running like crazy. It’s been great motivation, but, as a result, my strength training routine has fallen by the wayside.

When I read about the TRX and Kettlebell class at the Wellness Centre in Guiones, I knew I would have to try it out.

P1030131As some of you may have read, I rocked a TRX class back in Tamarindo and loved it. The thought of adding kettlebells to the mix sounded amazing. It’s funny how having the opportunity to add actual weight to your routine is such a treat when you are travelling!

I arrived at my first class and was instantly delighted by the temperature of the room. It had been a HOT one in Nosara that week, and although the room didn’t have a/c, it was in the basement of the wellness centre and was nice and cool. I find sometimes classes with a/c can get too cold and aren’t ideal for working out, this room was great.

Our class was taught by Tinis, a gorgeous Tica surf instructor who really knows her stuff. The more classes I attended with Tinis, the more I came to really appreciate her teaching style. Technique is super important when working with TRX and Kettlebells, and she spent ample time making sure everyone in the class was rocking it. No matter whether it was your first time, or your fiftieth time, she had her eyes out to make sure no one hurt themselves. I was also amazed at how she could tailor the class to suit everyone’s goals and levels. She could balance teaching a new student the technique for kettlebell, while guiding others through a TRX routine, all the while, motivating all of us to push ourselves to get the most bang for our buck.

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Tinis teaches Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2pm. There is another class at 12:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays taught by someone else. Drop in is $10 for visitors and $5 for locals. Ten bucks is an awesome deal for this type of class, as you are guaranteed to get your money’s worth. 

I try and get most of my workouts done early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it isn’t as hot out. For those who are looking for a mid-day workout, this class is truly ideal. Doing a cardio class mid-day is not only exhausting, but  the intense heat here in Costa Rica could make it potentially dangerous. Tinis’ class is the perfect way to get in a great workout that is focused on getting stronger, feeling the burn, but without over exerting yourself.

So, if you are in the Nosara area, check out the TRX and Kettlebell class at the Wellness Centre. Tell them I sent you!

Want to learn more about TRX? Check out this article that Tinis is featured in!

Check out more recaps of my travel workouts here!

Pura Vida!

Kate

Follow me on Twitter:@caketress

TRX in Costa Rica- Travel Workouts Week 2

As a fitness fanatic, I always make it a point to research local gyms in the areas that I’m visiting.

Many months ago, I stumbled on the website for a personal trainer in Tamarindo named Nick Holt. I emailed him, asking about nearby gyms, and the services he provided. He responded instantly with all sorts of valuable information regarding the various gyms, drop in rates, and classes he taught. I was so excited, and had full intentions of connecting with him, then, in the whirlwind of travel prep, promptly forgot.

On the second day of my morning beach run routine, I noticed a beach bootcamp going on. I was instantly homesick for my Wholly Fit family back in Victoria, and began craving a little group fitness action. I looked up Nick’s email, and it turned out it was him teaching the class!

He has space available in his TRX class at a drop in rate of $15 bucks. After a week of beach runs and hostel workouts, It was an offer I couldn’t refuse.

So, on Tuesday night, I made the trek to the Tamarindo Gym. It’s a little ways out of town, so plan accordingly. It was about a 10 min walk from our hostel. That being said, Nick laughed at my punctual attendance. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to “Tico Time”.

The Tamarindo Gym

The Tamarindo Gym

I walked in the gym and felt right at home. As a former gym rat, the thought of having all this equipment available to me made my heart skip a beat. You can get a day pass for 5 dollars or a week for 20. Such an awesome deal considering back home you’re looking at about 20 bucks for one day!

The class was held in a small mirrored room attached to the gym. I stretched out as I waited for the other members to arrive.

TRX, all set up!

TRX, all set up!

Although I had used TRX before, I had never taken an entire class in it. From my experience, I was expecting a great strength workout, what I wasn’t expecting was the cardio blast I got as well.

Nick was a fabulous instructor, and created a circuit that included upper and lower body with short intense cardio bursts in between. I couldn’t believe when he said we would do abs, and then we were done. The class just flew by! I knew instantly that I would be coming back for his second class later that week.

There is something to be said for seeking out workout alternatives while travelling. Although I feel I am capable of creating my own workouts everyday, it is SO nice to just show up, and have someone tell you what to do.

If you are visiting the Tamarindo area, and are looking for ways to balance the beer consumption with awesome fitness instruction, I highly suggest Nick’s services. He offers a variety of classes, and training options, and also has a great newsletter and YouTube channel.

What are your experiences with local gyms while travelling? Have you ever taken fitness classes in other countries?

Pura Vida!

Kate
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